Neurobeachin is required postsynaptically for electrical and chemical synapse formation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neural networks and their function are defined by synapses, which are adhesions specialized for intercellular communication that can be either chemical or electrical. At chemical synapses, transmission between neurons is mediated by neurotransmitters, whereas at electrical synapses, direct ionic and metabolic coupling occur via gap junctions between neurons. The molecular pathways required for electrical synaptogenesis are not well understood, and whether they share mechanisms of formation with chemical synapses is not clear.

Results

Here, using a forward genetic screen in zebrafish, we find that the autism-associated gene neurobeachin (nbea), which encodes a BEACH-domain-containing protein implicated in endomembrane trafficking, is required for both electrical an

SUBMITTER: Miller AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4329981 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature